At Winnipeg’s Sage Garden Greenhouse, something unexpected happened this week—an olfactory assault that’s capturing national attention. The source? A Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus konjac), often referred to as the Corpse Lily, a plant known for its dramatic, flesh-like odor and visually striking bloom.
This plant, which takes three to five years to flower, released its infamous scent earlier this week, sending greenhouse staff and curious Winnipeggers into an educational frenzy. For farmers, agronomists, and scientists, this is more than a local curiosity—it’s an extraordinary opportunity to explore the biology behind one of nature’s most bizarre reproductive strategies.
Why Does It Smell Like That?
The stench isn’t a design flaw. It’s a highly evolved pollination tactic. The Corpse Lily emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as dimethyl trisulfide and putrescine—chemicals also found in decaying meat. These mimic the smell of carrion to attract scavenger insects, particularly flesh flies and carrion beetles, which act as pollinators.
This form of sapromyiophily (pollination via decay-loving organisms) is a rare but effective survival strategy in nature. According to a 2023 review in Plant Biology International, fewer than 4% of flowering plant species worldwide use such extreme mimicry, making Amorphophallus one of the most fascinating genera in the plant kingdom.
A Rare and Remarkable Bloom
Corpse Lilies don’t bloom every year. The tuber (which can weigh over 10 kg in mature specimens) stores energy over several years before producing its giant inflorescence, which can reach over 2 meters in height in some species like Amorphophallus titanum. In the case of A. konjac, the bloom is smaller but still dramatic—and fleeting, typically lasting just 3–5 days.
This rarity is why Winnipeg’s greenhouse event is so notable. According to data from botanical gardens worldwide, fewer than 200 public corpse flower blooms have been recorded globally in the past 20 years.
From Greenhouse Novelty to Botanical Education
Dave Hanson, the owner of Sage Garden Greenhouse, sees the bloom as more than just a social media sensation.
“It’s been a great opportunity to chat plants,” Hanson said, reflecting on the teaching moments sparked by the event.
Indeed, it’s a chance to talk about:
- Plant reproduction strategies beyond bees and butterflies;
- The importance of biodiversity in pollination mechanisms;
- Greenhouse education as a public outreach tool.
For educators, this aligns with efforts seen globally in institutions like Kew Gardens (UK) and the New York Botanical Garden, where rare blooms are leveraged to engage the public in botanical science and climate awareness.
The bloom of a Corpse Lily in Winnipeg isn’t just a local oddity—it’s a reminder that even the strangest smells in agriculture serve a purpose. For scientists and growers, it’s a powerful example of how evolution shapes survival in surprising ways. Whether you’re running a research plot, managing a greenhouse, or just love the science of plants, the Voodoo Lily offers lessons in adaptation, reproduction, and the natural allure of the weird and wonderful.
